October 12, 2018 — In our latest poll for Maclean’s, the Liberals (40%) hold a six-point lead over the Conservatives (34%) among decided voters, with the NDP (12%) and Greens (7%) trailing. The newly-founded People’s Party (PPC) registers 2%. Within Quebec, the BQ and Québec Debout record 15% and 1% support, respectively.

When considering the party leaders, four-in-ten (39%) Canadians feel that Justin Trudeau would make the best Prime Minister. Just over a quarter (27%) feel the same about Andrew Scheer. Less than one-in-ten (8%) prefer Jagmeet Singh. Just 5% feel that Maxime Bernier would be the best PM, but this level of support is more than double the voter support for his party. Two-in-ten Canadians are unsure which of the party leaders would make the best PM.

Given the newness of the PPC, it is not surprising that Maxime Bernier’s party currently ranks low among decided voters. However, the poll suggests there is potential for the party to grow beyond its current standing. Notably, 19% of Conservative voters already consider it a second choice. And, among the five current issues explored in this poll, 5% of Canadians share the PPC’s stances on all issues and 11% share all but one of the party’s policy positions.

Among the key findings:

Almost six-in-ten (58%) Canadians feel that interprovincial trade barriers should be eliminated, whereas just 12% feel they should be maintained.

Half (50%) of Canadians feel that health care should continue to be primarily funded and provided by public sector institutions, and only a quarter (25%) feel that people should be able to pay to receive health care services from private sector care providers.

Just under half (49%) of Canadians feel that supply management is good for Canada, whereas, only two-in-ten (20%) feel it is bad.

Four-in-ten (39%) Canadians are supportive of regional development and aid programs, whereas a quarter (24%) are opposed.

The public is split on the federal government’s approach to multiculturalism, as 38% feel it should continue to help ethnocultural communities and celebrate diversity and 37% feel it is going too far on this front – causing division and disunity.